Twelve proves a plucky number!

Twelve Restaurant and Wine Bar, at Marsh Mill, has spent a total of eight weeks closed since September, when it suffered an estimated £100,000 of damage.

But after undergoing repair work, an extensive renovation, and a menu overhaul, owners Caroline Upton and Paul Moss are now ready to put the drama of the last few months behind them.

“It has been a challenge, most certainly,” Caroline said. “But we are very excited to be reopening. We are a neighbourhood restaurant and we have created something that is individual and makes quite a statement.”

Twelve was forced to close for three weeks following the crash, which happened when a Gas World van mounted the pavement in Fleetwood Road North – missing schoolchildren by inches – flattened a metal bollard and crashed into the building.

The restaurant later reopened as a ‘pop-up bistro’, with the capacity to serve 40 diners a more informal menu until the end of November when it again closed.

The eatery then opened for the busy Christmas period before again closing earlier this month while more work was carried out.

Caroline said: “We embraced the situation and revamped and refitted the restaurant. We had something that was negative and we feel it has created something positive. It’s now very urban and we wanted it to feel more relaxed than it used to, and it’s warmer.”

New booths have been installed, and new lighting and artwork is in place, with architects and artists hired to help with the refurb.

“People liked the pop-up bistro and we got some great feedback, so we have taken what they loved from the old Twelve, and the pop-up bistro, to create a new feel,” Caroline said.

A VIP event was held last night for the restaurant’s corporate clients, regulars, family and friends, and local dignitaries. Caroline said the event was held to thank those who helped get the business back on its feet. The restaurant will serve a Sunday roast menu tomorrow and its new menu from Tuesday.